Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. The method may include transmitting a first synchronization signal in a set of beam directions during a first symbol period of a synchronization subframe and transmitting a second synchronization signal in another set of beam directions during a second symbol period of the synchronization subframe. The second set of beam directions may be spatially interleaved with the first set of beam directions. Additionally, the method may include monitoring a first and second set of beam directions during a first and second symbol period of a random access subframe, respectively. Additionally, the method may include receiving, from a base station, first and second synchronization signals in a synchronization subframe, decoding the first synchronization signal, and transmitting an access request based at least in part on the decoded first synchronization signal.